U.S. retailer Walmart has opened the first-of-its-kind supply chain academy, which has been created specifically to train the company's associates working in the supply chain and to help them advance.

The new academy is based at its distribution center in Sanger, Texas, and is patterned after the 200 Walmart Academies that train all store associates nationwide.

The development comes amid the growing importance for staff to have new skills in today's ever-changing world, where consumers' needs are constantly evolving and they have more shopping choices than ever.

“Within the Walmart Supply Chain, we are focused on creating a great place to work where our more than 100,000 associates can be empowered to solve problems for our business,” said Greg Smith, EVP of Walmart U.S. supply chain.

“This first Supply Chain Academy is a pivotal step on that journey. North-central Texas customers will see the impact of the training and hard work of these graduates on the shelves of the more than 140 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs this distribution center serves.”

The Sanger Academy’s area of study will include leadership, safety, supply chain foundations and area-specific training.

“Walmart stands apart from our competitors in both the retail and supply chain industries by providing full-time, permanent positions with great pay in all areas of the country,” said Steve Miller, vice president of Supply Chain People.

“This is yet another example of Walmart’s commitment to investing in our people so that they can live better and grow in a field that is rapidly evolving.”

Walmart plans to expand the Academy program to more distribution centers across the country over the next two years. Each Supply Chain Academy will serve about 15 distribution centers.